PTC man arrested in Camden Apts. shooting

Sun, 06/24/2012 - 9:03amBen Nelms

Peachtree City Police on Saturday night arrested a resident of the Camden Apartments for the shooting of another apartment resident after the two were involved in an argument after an evening of drinking.

Forty-nine-year-old Joel Chambers, a Camden Apartments resident, was charged with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, according to Peachtree City Police spokesperson Rosanna Dove. The apartment complex, formerly known as Summit Peachtree City, is on Merrick Drive off MacDuff Parkway on the city's west side.

Dove said upon their arrival at approximately 10:30 p.m., officers located the victim who was sitting in a chair on the balcony of his apartment. He had suffered a single gunshot wound to his chest, Dove said.

Peachtree City Fire Department personnel responded and arranged for him to be transported via helicopter to Grady Memorial Hospital where he was treated for his injuries and released, said Dove.

Dove said the investigation determined that Chambers and the victim had been drinking throughout the evening. After dinner, a heated argument occurred that escalated into a physical altercation just outside the victim’s apartment. The victim and the offender separated after this incident; however, the offender went to his residence, retrieved his 9mm handgun, and returned to the victim’s apartment, said Dove.

Chambers located the victim sitting on his balcony and proceeded to shoot the victim one time in the left side of his chest. Chambers was arrested at the scene and transported to the Fayette County Jail. He is being held on charges of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.